Amadeus Data Reveals Los Cabos, Mexico to Be Top Hotel Destination for Christmas and New Year’s Travel
Amadeus’ Demand360+ | December 7th, 2023
News Top: December
Playa Hotels & Resorts Announces the Sale of Jewel Punta Cana for $82 Million
Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. | December 19, 2023
FAIRFAX, Va., Dec. 19, 2023 -- Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V. (NASDAQ: PLYA) (the "Company") today announced that it has closed on the sale of the Jewel Punta Cana for a total gross consideration of $82.0 million. The Company expects total net proceeds of approximately $70.0 million. The Company has also entered into a long-term hotel management agreement with the new owner to manage the resort. The transaction was completed on December 15, 2023. Proceeds from the transaction will be used for general corporate purposes....
Top 10 Trends for the Hospitality Industry in 2024
Robert Rauch | December 11, 2023
By Robert Rauch The hospitality industry transformed in 2023, driven by technological advancements and evolving guest demands. We'll explore the ten emerging trends for 2024 in the hospitality industry. Artificial Intelligence AI in the hospitality industry will enhance revenue management, menu development, employee and guest education, marketing, sales, and more. We are at the very beginning of this exciting technology that comes with some cautions ahead--cybercrime and terrorism for starters. This technology is growing 10 times faster than the iPhone, Android, and others when they launched circa 2007. Wellness, Fitness, and Di...
10 Hotel Trends to Watch in 2024
Pedro Colaco | December 15, 2023
By Pedro Colaco In the aftermath of a robust resurgence in the travel industry throughout 2023, hotels are gearing up for a transformative 2024, marked by shifting consumer preferences and the rise of cutting-edge technologies to help hotels address increasingly complex consumer and operational demands. This article explores the top 10 trends poised to redefine hotels and the wider travel and hospitality landscape in the coming year. 10 Hotel Trends to Watch in 2024 As we gear up for the new year, we foresee that a number of trends that arose in 2023 will continue to be critical for hotels in 2024. Hotels will continue to prioritize sus...
Waldorf Astoria Chicago Welcomes New General Manager Tamas Vago
Hilton | December 15, 2023
CHICAGO – (December 15, 2023) – Waldorf Astoria Chicago is pleased to announce the appointment of Tamas Vago as the luxury hotel’s General Manager. Since joining the property team this fall, he has overseen guest experience and hotel operations of the 214-room property, including the on-site culinary and beverage venues Brass Tack and Bernard’s, renowned spa and over 9,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Vago joins Waldorf Astoria Chicago from Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and brings extensive knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry from his nearly 25 years of experience. In his new role with Waldorf Astoria...
AC Hotels by Marriott Unveils New Hotel in the Heart of Naples
AC Hotel by Marriott Naples 5th Avenue | December 18, 2023
Doors Open to a Curated Guest Experience in Southwest Florida AC Hotels by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, has opened its newest property in the heart of Naples, bringing the signature AC Hotel experience to Florida’s southwest coast. AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue welcomed its first guests on Friday, December 15. The three-story hotel comprises 150 sophisticated, modern guest rooms; an inviting lobby and ground-floor café; 2,500 square feet of beautiful event space; a well-equipped fitness center; an outdoor rooftop pool; and Limón, a signature rooftop restaurant and bar with seating bot...
Marriott Signs With Enjoy Group to Launch Two Additional Autograph Collection Hotels in Costa Rica
Autograph Collection Hotels | December 11, 2023
Expected to debut in 2025, two additional properties propel companies’ plans to craft an exclusive array of locally inspired hotels in Costa Rica under the Autograph Collection brand, promising a unique and culturally immersive hospitality experience. Plantation, Fla. December 11, 2023 – Marriott International announced today it has signed an agreement with Enjoy Group to launch two additional Autograph Collection hotels in Costa Rica reinforcing the companies' vision to create an exclusive array of locally inspired hotels in the country. Anticipated to open in the last quarter of 2025, Villa Lapas, Autograph Collection and Marina ...
What’s Trending in the Food and Beverage Industry in 2024?
EHL Insights | December 4, 2023
The food and beverage industry has witnessed healthy growth over the past couple of years and with this trend there have been some significant shake-ups. The sector has evolved across all its component parts, from food preparation to packaging, restauration, home delivery, and homemade. Social media has become a powerful force that propels food trends to spread rapidly through our cultural consciousness. Whether it's those yawn-inducing people who only talk about their latest air-fryer inventions or the gorgeous gorgeous girlies of #SoupTok who proclaim their love for the velvety comfort health food (who doesn't?!). On the other side of th...
Technostress and the Guest Experience, Part 1
Fran Worrall | December 14, 2023
By Fran Worrall The hospitality industry is increasingly dependent on technology to enhance the guest journey. Indeed, in recent years, hotels have allocated enormous financial investments to the implementation of solutions—from mobile keys to self-service kiosks--designed to streamline the delivery of guest services. Technology is changing the face of the industry, but at what cost? In many cases, it enhances the guest journey; yet in other cases, it introduces challenges that frustrate consumers and lead to dissatisfaction. Last year, Samuel Lee, Ph.D., Mehmet Erdem, Ph.D., Eda Anlamlier, Ph.D., Chih-Chien Chen, Ph.D., Billy Bai, Ph...
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts Announces Its Foray Into Northeast India With the Signing of a 140-Room Hotel in Sikkim
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts | December 5, 2023
MUMBAI, India, Dec. 5, 2023 -- The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, one of India's leading luxury hotel brands, today announced the signing of a management agreement for a 140-room hotel in Ranka in Sikkim, marking the foray of the brand into Northeast India. Owned by the SIBIN Group, the project Leela Sikkim is located approximately 10 kilometres from the capital city, on a 17-acre plot overlooking the Gangtok Hill. Slated to open in December 2026, The Leela Sikkim is set amidst the serene backdrop of the Himalayas and is poised to redefine the hospitality landscape of the region with its inspirational design, thoughtful programming a...
Newly-Renovated Best Western Carlisle South Now Open in Pennsylvania
BWH Hotels | December 14, 2023
Carlisle, Pennsylvania (December 14, 2023) – Best Western® Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of the Best Western Carlisle South, located at 101 Alexander Spring Road in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The hotel is owned by Vimal Patel and features 68 standard rooms in addition to 20 suites. Offering a contemporary design and a car-themed lobby, the hotel recently underwent a refresh, with guest rooms featuring brand new furnishings including mattresses and flat-screen televisions, alongside amenities like mini-fridges and microwaves. Guests can also enjoy on-site amenities including an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, hotel marke...
Continental Hotel Group and Wright Investments Renovating & Repositioning Charleston’s Ansonborough Inn
Wright Investments, Inc. | December 14, 2023
Ansonborough Inn Will be Reimagined as The Ansonborough Charleston to Bring Old World Charm and Modern Comfort to Charleston’s Historic District CHARLESTON, S.C. (December 14, 2023) – Ansonborough Inn, a AAA Four Diamond hotel tucked away in the heart of Charleston’s historic downtown district, today announced that it is undergoing an extensive renovation and repositioning set to relaunch as The Ansonborough Charleston in spring 2024. Drawing from the hotel’s natural exuberance and wonders of what was once Charles Town, The Ansonborough Charleston will stand as an homage to the city’s rich history, proudly embodying the vibrant sp...
Stonebridge Cos. Acquires Five-Property Portfolio Across U.S.
Stonebridge Cos. | December 11, 2023
The purchase of the portfolio represents the firm’s continued focus on strategic growth throughout the country into both new and existing markets DENVER — Stonebridge Cos. (“Stonebridge”), a privately owned, nationally recognized, innovative hotel owner and manager headquartered in Denver, acquired a five-property, approximately 1,200 key hotel portfolio spanning the U.S. in late November. “Our closing of this transaction was especially rewarding due to the size of the portfolio, the multiple moving parts and speed in which we were able to complete the deal,” said Navin Dimond, CEO and founder of Stonebridge. “We are ex...
Virgin Hotels New York City Names Denise Luna as General Manager
Virgin Hotels New York City | December 1, 2023
New York, NY (December 1, 2023) – Virgin Hotels New York City, part of the luxury-lifestyle hotel brand by Sir Richard Branson, is pleased to announce the appointment of Denise Luna as General Manager. In her new role, Denise will oversee the operations of the 460-room hotel located in the heart of Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood. She will manage all departments, strategic planning, team development, and community engagement to further establish the hotel as a premier destination for both New Yorkers and out of town visitors, and continue ensuring the highest level of guest satisfaction and quality of service. "We are thrilled to have Den...
SSG Hotels Acquires Two Hyatt-Branded Properties in Warrenville, Illinois
SSG Hotels LLC | December 12, 2023
Lafayette, IN – December 12, 2023 – SSG Hotels, a family-owned hotel development and management company headquartered in Lafayette, IN, proudly announces the recent acquisition of two prominent Hyatt properties in Warrenville, IL. This strategic move marks another significant milestone in SSG Hotels' commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences. The newly acquired Hyatt Place Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville and Hyatt House Chicago/Naperville/Warrenville properties, located in the vibrant community of Warrenville, present an exciting opportunity for SSG Hotels to enhance its presence in the dynamic Chicagoland hospitality ...
Bradford Allen Hospitality Acquires Two Hotel Properties on Long Island
Bradford Allen | December 20, 2023
NEW YORK (Dec. 20, 2023) — Bradford Allen Hospitality today announced it has acquired two adjacent hotel properties in Riverhead, N.Y., on Long Island — a 131-suite Residence Inn by Marriott located at 2012 Old Country Road and a 114-key Hilton Garden Inn at 2038 Old Country Road. The hotels are the closest eastbound Hilton- and Marriott-branded properties to the Hamptons, located approximately 20 miles away. Built in 2017, Residence Inn Long Island East End is highly amenitized with a 24-hour fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, and expansive wedding and banquet facilities, far exceeding typical Residence Inn brand s...
Maine Course Hospitality Group Breaks Ground on TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Williston, Vermont
Maine Course Hospitality | December 12, 2023
Williston, VT – December 12, 2023 – Maine Course Hospitality Group, a leading hotel management company, is thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of a new TownePlace Suites by Marriott in the picturesque town of Williston, Vermont, a submarket of the greater Burlington area. This exciting venture is a result of a collaborative effort between Maine Course Hospitality and Redstone VT Property Management, the property's owner and developer. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a project that promises to bring modern accommodations and hospitality excellence to the heart of Vermont's thriving community. The new TownePlace Su...
The Riu Palace Pacifico Reopens Its Doors Following a Full Refurbishment
RIU | December 5, 2023
RIU Hotels & Resorts recently reopened the Riu Palace Pacifico, located on the heavenly Playa de Flamingos beach in Nayarit, Mexico. Following a complete refurbishment of all the hotel’s facilities, it is now an Adults-Only establishment and continues to offer RIU's well-known 24-hour all-inclusive service. The renovation of this elegant hotel, which was built in 2008, comes with new services for guests to increase the number of dining options, enhance their experience and offer a new package for guests looking to take their holiday to the next level: Elite Club by RIU. The Riu Palace Pacifico continues to be as sophisticated as ev...
2023: A Year of New Challenges and Opportunities for Hoteliers
Joseph Pierce | December 20, 2023
By Joseph Pierce, MAI The hotel industry has moved on from many challenges that have plagued it since the COVID-19 pandemic, but new challenges and opportunities have presented themselves in 2023. Carrying on from 2022, markets continue to deal with the highest cost of debt in decades, but the fear of a recession has receded, and the possibility of a “soft landing” from 40-year high inflation growth may be a reality. The industry remains flexible to the needs and desires of guests and continues to pivot to meet the challenges of the future. H&LA’s consultants have worked on many assignments in 2023, bringing with them the oppo...
The Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach Joins Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio
The Goodtime Hotel | December 14, 2023
266-room boutique hotel in heart of South Beach joins Tribute Portfolio’s growing global family of characterful, independent hotels Miami, FL – December 14, 2023 – Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio, the growing collection of characterful, independent hotels from Marriott Bonvoy, has expanded with the addition of The Goodtime Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Located in the heart of Miami Beach, the 266-room boutique hotel, retail, and live music destination is the first collaborative lifestyle brand from David Grutman of Groot Hospitality and Pharrell Williams. Opened in April 2021, and managed by Highgate, the property p...
San Diego Mission Bay Resort Welcomes Key New Property Leadership
San Diego Mission Bay Resort | December 7, 2023
Bayfront Resort Revitalizes Experience with Addition of New General Manager and F&B Leadership SAN DIEGO (Dec. 7, 2023) – San Diego Mission Bay Resort, the 357-room Noble House Hotels & Resorts property situated on the sparkling waters of Mission Bay, today announces the expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of a new general manager and director of food and beverage. Together, the team will continue enhancing the guest and culinary experiences at San Diego Mission Bay Resort, which has long been known as one of the city’s most coveted destinations. General Manager Summer Shoemaker has spent the last two decades...
Technostress and the Guest Experience, Part 2
Fran Worrall | December 21, 2023
By Fran Worrall Last week, in part 1 of this two-part series, Hotel Online talked with Samuel Lee, Ph.D., professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), about technostress and the guest experience. Lee, a faculty member at UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, led a research team that co-authored a groundbreaking study entitled Technostress and Hotel Guests: A Mere Hurdle or a Major Friction Point?, which examines the anxiety hospitality consumers experience as a consequence of technology use. The study is among the first to explore the concept of technostress in consumer behavior, namely hotel guests, as opposed to ...
Austin’s Hotel Van Zandt Names New General Manager and Director of Marketing
Hotel Van Zandt | December 14, 2023
Acclaimed Austin boutique hotel makes key executive appointments, including General Manager and Director of Marketing AUSTIN, TEXAS (December 14, 2023) – Hotel Van Zandt, one of Austin’s premier boutique hotel destinations, has appointed Christopher Guse as General Manager. A veteran of the hotel and hospitality sectors, Mr. Guse joins Hotel Van Zandt from Sage Hospitality Group’s Sheraton Austin, where he has served as General Manager since 2021. Additionally, Hotel Van Zandt has appointed Sarah Hendricks as the hotel’s new Director of Marketing, earning a promotion after less than one year as the hotel’s marketing manage...
Win the Customer, Not the Argument
Shep Hyken | December 7, 2023
By Shep Hyken In a confrontation with a customer, you have a goal: win the customer, not the argument. I’ve written about this before, and it’s worth coming back to this topic from another angle with a different example. First, an interaction with a customer should never result in an argument. The best people in customer service, sales, or any frontline customer-facing job avoid escalating a confrontation to the level of a dispute. Instead, the best people de-escalate a confrontation to a mutually agreeable solution. Here’s what I witnessed this week. I was on a plane and noticed that the flight attendant greeting pass...
HVS Global Hotel Industry: 2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook
HVS | December 5, 2023
As 2023 draws to a close, regional HVS leaders across the globe take a look back at how the global hotel industry fared this year and opine on the outlook for next year. While the U.S. experienced muted 2023 RevPAR growth relative to 2022 gains, most other global markets recorded extraordinary RevPAR growth, well above 10%, primarily fueled by strong ADR gains. While transaction activity cooled across the Americas and Europe, the Asia Pacific saw a significant strengthening as this region’s markets moved beyond pandemic-era restrictions. United States By Rod Clough, President – Americas As 2023 ends, we look back on a year where hot...
The Final Check-Out: Bidding Farewell to Undisclosed Mandatory Resort Fees
Mark Adams | December 20, 2023
By Mark Adams, Experienced trial lawyer and a member of JMBM’s Global Hospitality Group® and Chinese Investment Group™ Presently pending in the U.S. Senate is a bipartisan-supported bill that would do the same. These bills join state governments, federal authorities, state attorneys general, and consumer advocacy groups in intensified scrutiny of undisclosed mandatory resort fees included in hotel rates. Additionally, several state attorney generals and consumer groups are targeting hotels that charge undisclosed resort fees. In response to this developing trend, it is imperative for hotel owners to quickly implement full transp...
